1. Be knowledgeable about brands, styles, new technology and applications of a wide variety of sportfishing equipment and sportfishing accessories.
2. Offer a wide range of sportfishing gear that will fit the needs of different kinds of anglers.
3. Update your inventory with the newest and choicest products to generate excitement and long-term patronage from serious fishermen.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Provide a broad selection of sportfishing nets and gaffs

Sportfishing nets and gaffs help fishermen retrieve large fish from the water safely. They are essential for fishermen interested in catching larger game.

I recommend: AFTCO carries a broad range of sportfishing equipment, such as durable fishing nets, gaffs and harnesses. It also sells rolling guides and tip tops, unibutts and rod butts, rod building components, tag and release sticks and fishing gloves. Beckman Net Company specializes in making rugged, precision-crafted sportfishing nets for saltwater fishing. William Joseph offers fly fishing equipment, from wave and hook nets to waders and boots, sportfishing tools, thermometers, fishing jackets and packs and vests. Its website includes a list of authorized dealers.

Offer a range of sportfishing tools, such as knives, pliers, hook sharpeners and other equipment

Serious fishermen need sportfishing tools that will help them maximize their fishing performance and perform a variety of jobs out on the water.

I recommend: Berkley is a top sportfishing tools manufacturer. It carries a selection of tools, including hook sharpeners, pliers, fish flippers, superline shears, line clippers and digital scales. One of the leading sportfishing gear suppliers, Team Marine USA, sells a number of well-crafted venting tools, dehookers, versa-hooks, kick picks and cinch tools. Cabela's offers a digital scale and tool kit, which includes a digital scale, pliers and clippers with a lanyard.

Choose sportfishing accessories that will attract discerning fishermen

Fishermen are also looking for high-performance sportfishing gear, such as harnesses, gloves, fish lights, rod holders, chum grinders and hook rigs and leaders. Be sure to have a wide range of products for serious fishermen to purchase.

I recommend: Rapala VMC is one of the world’s top sportfishing equipment manufacturers, and it offers a special line of products for ice fishing. It carries gloves, lure accessories, lock and weigh scales, titanium superlines, tool sets, line counters, rod racks and cleaning boards. Braid Products manufactures a durable line of belts and harnesses used to secure fishermen while fishing for big game. It also supplies hook rigs and leaders, hooks and swivels and a variety of fishing tools and fishing accessories. Hydro Glow Fish Lights specializes in using green-light technology to make nighttime fishing lights for saltwater and freshwater fishing.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Customer service is vital to serious anglers. Know your brands, new styles and technology. You must be ready to meet your customers' particular needs by recommending the right sportfishing supplies.
• •  Fishing styles and techniques differ from angler to angler and from location to location. They even vary depending on the stages of the tide. Many sportfishing accessories are tailored to these specifications. Be aware of what style and technique is most popular in your area and stock up accordingly.
• •  If you carry clothing items, like vests and waders, make sure your selection includes smaller sizes for the many women anglers.